Irrigation Supervisor

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Our client is a globally backed agribusiness with a diverse portfolio across tree cropping, viticulture and broadacre cropping. At their Hillston orchard, they operate a 560ha mature orchard and 140ha new development, each run as separate irrigation programs. The system is functional, well-understood, and undergoing sensible upgrades — including installation of automated peroxide treatment.

You’ll be joining a down-to-earth orchard team that values consistency, collaboration and getting things done properly. It’s a practical, well-aligned crew where people back each other, share the workload and take pride in keeping the orchard running smoothly. This support gives you the platform to take real ownership of irrigation delivery and team development.

The Role

Water delivery to the farm boundary is supported by a mechanical team, allowing you to focus on irrigation execution, system performance, and team leadership.

This is a hands-on irrigation role running two distinct irrigation programs across the orchard. You’ll schedule and monitor irrigation through Motorola automation, deliver fertigation through a Siemens system, and confirm performance through daily field checks rather than relying on screens alone. You’ll also manage water delivery to the 240ha leased area each week, delivering to a program supplied by the lessee and maintaining required pressures at the pump shed.

Winter shutdown (2 - 3 months) shifts the role to preventative maintenance: suction work, pump pulls, line repairs and general system upkeep.

Key Responsibilities

Your focus is to ensure accurate, consistent irrigation across the orchard while keeping the system performing reliably and supporting your irrigation crew.

• Schedule and execute irrigation programs across mature and young plantings.
• Monitor system performance in the field, identifying leaks, wet areas, pressure changes and tree stress early.
• Carry out hands-on system repairs, including valves, joins, emitters and minor line or pump maintenance.
• Manage irrigation parts and consumables, coordinating with contractors for major breakdowns.
• Deliver water to 240ha of leased orchard according to the weekly schedule and maintain required pressures.
• Maintain clear communication with the lessee’s farm manager to ensure service delivery meets agreed standards.
• Lead and support three irrigation hands - allocating tasks, training on field checks and maintaining a steady, collaborative work environment.
• Undertake winter shutdown maintenance, including suction work, pump pulls, valve repairs and system checks.

What You Bring

You’re a practical irrigator who’s comfortable leading from the field and solving problems as they arise.

• Experience with horticultural irrigation systems - ideally drip.
• Confidence working with automated irrigation platforms and validating performance through on-ground checks.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to spot issues early.
• A steady, team-focused approach - you work well with others and communicate clearly.
• Capacity to train and support less-experienced irrigation hands.
• Mechanical aptitude helpful, but not essential.

Individuals looking to step up into a supervisory role are encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Gain

• Salary: $85k - $95k + Super
• Bonuses: Up to 10% of base
• Accommodation: 2-bed cottage or 3-bed house (dependent on candidate)
• Vehicle: Tool-of-trade work ute provided
• An established, stable and supportive team, with a Farm Manager who works with you, not over you.

How to Step Forward

For more information or a confidential chat, please contact Dai Yoshida on 0413 000 844 or Nick Marchant on 0466 333 066.

Who Are March

March offers permanent recruitment and workforce planning services tailored exclusively to Australian agribusinesses. We're about connecting top talent with great businesses - plain and simple.